Do you still have your wisdom teeth? If so, you may think about them from time to time. Should you get them removed, or would it be okay to let them stay in your mouth? The answer to that question depends on a few factors, one of which is whether or not the teeth are impacted (stuck beneath the gumline). What problems can be caused by impacted wisdom teeth? This blog post discusses a few.
Pain
Pain and generalized discomfort are a couple of the most common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth. Since there is not adequate room in the mouth to accommodate them, they can push against other teeth as they try to erupt. This can cause irritation, especially if they come into contact with the roots of other teeth. They can also contribute to soreness in the gums. The pain caused by wisdom teeth can range from dull and subtle to sharp and distracting.
Infections
Even if you have excellent oral hygiene habits, you might find it a bit difficult to keep your wisdom teeth and the surrounding areas clean. Bacteria can start to accumulate in those spaces and cause infections. As a result, you might notice a number of symptoms, such as pain, pus, abscesses, and more. You could even suffer from a fever and other systemic problems.
Cavities
Because wisdom teeth are challenging to clean, plaque can accumulate on them. Given enough time, plaque can lead to dental decay. Small cavities might not come with any noticeable symptoms. As they become deeper and larger, however, they can lead to issues like dental sensitivity, horrible toothaches, and more.
Misalignment and Difficulty Eating
As the wisdom teeth try to push their way out of the gumline, they can place pressure on the nearby teeth. Eventually, they can even push those teeth out of place and cause your bite to become misaligned. When that happens, your top and bottom teeth may not work harmoniously together, which in turn can make it difficult to enjoy certain foods. The appearance of your smile could also be adversely affected.
Cysts
A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can form around an erupting tooth. They are common around wisdom teeth. In most cases, they are benign and nothing to worry about. In some cases, though, they can lead to harm. For example, they might push against nearby tissues, causing both pain and damage.
What Should You Do?
If your wisdom teeth are causing problems for you, you should consult with your dentist right away. If the situation calls for it, they will arrange for you to get them removed.
But what if your impacted wisdom teeth are not currently causing any issues? Be sure to visit your dentist regularly so they can be monitored. If they ever pose a threat, they can be removed. Alternatively, you could request to have them removed as a precautionary measure.
Impacted wisdom teeth can harm your oral health! Often, removing them is the smartest course of action.
Meet the Practice
Here at the Center for Contemporary Dentistry, we offer comfortable wisdom tooth removal in a modern, welcoming environment. If it is time for you to get a checkup or you have questions about your wisdom teeth, we would be happy to speak with you. Get in touch with our Belmont dental office at 603-556-7047.